The Basketball Tournament 2025: Challenge ALS Team Profile

After a regional final run, Challenge ALS flips its roster, hoping that will take them to the next level.

For those who don’t know, Challenge ALS is a staple for The Basketball Tournament (TBT). This team was formed to raise awareness and funding for ALS. In 2024, Challenge ALS grinded out two wins before falling to Forever Coogs on their way to a championship game. Last year, Challenge ALS went up against some staples in TBT, defeating The Program NYC for Autism (69-67) and Bleed Green (66-63).

With four years of at least two wins in the TBT, Challenge ALS maintains its recipe. Is it insanity, or is this team on the brink of a breakthrough? One thing is sure: Challenge ALS has brought in some familiar names from Wichita, as well as a couple of players who had a strong showing in the 2023-2024 NCAA tournament. 

The coaching staff remains the same for Challenge ALS, bringing back only Luis Rodriguez from last year. This team is well-balanced, featuring four guards, three wings, and two centers.

For more TBT team profiles, click here.

Roster:

• Antavion Collum (McNeese)
• DJ Burns (NC State)
• DJ Horne (NC State)
• Jaaziel (Jazz) Johnson (Nevada)
• Joirdon Nicholas (Montana, Stephen F. Austin, & Texas Southern)
• Kyran Bowman (Boston College)
• Luis Rodriguez (Ole Miss)
• Marcus Weathers (Southern Methodist University)
• Michael Weathers (Miami, Oklahoma State, Texas Southern, & SMU)

Coaching Staff:

• Brandon Chambers (Head Coach)
• Johnny Dukes (Assistant Coach)

Region: Wichita

All-time Record: 13-6

First Matchup: vs. Austin’s Own (July 18 at 7 p.m. EST)

Challenge ALS MVP: Ky Bowman

Bowman is one of the older guys, having graduated in 2020. He played for the Golden State Warriors before being assigned to the G League for a couple of years. He then found his way to Italy and has continued to develop his game. Bowman’s 3-point shot has improved significantly over the past four years, shooting over 32% and reaching 45% from deep this past year.

While he has a quick release in his fluid 3-point shot, Bowman also creates space, can drive, and has some bounce that can sneak up on defenders. He is looking for outlets, running plays, and coming up with some creative shots of his own. This is an area where he will likely excel and provide the boost that this team needs.

Make-or-break Player: Antavion Collum

There is a massive potential for Antavion Collum with his 6-foot-9 frame to be a real threat in the TBT for MVP. His ability to shoot the 3-pointer will create mismatches for wings and centers. Collum gets a boost as all he has to do is threaten to shoot the 3-pointer after making one to create opportunities for his team. His weakness is that he is still getting used to playing professional ball, and his inexperience could catch up to him.

TBT is a different animal as a player can’t take time off and has to give full effort at all times. Collum is going to get a wake-up call the first time he tries to back a wing or center down. In Japan, players are often more timid and smaller in frame. The opportunity is there for him to contribute massively with his talents, but he needs to be more unselfish and keep his eyes up.

Team Outlook

Challenge ALS is hoping for a big run to try and get that prize money. The issue is that this road is difficult. A tough matchup for them in their first game against Austin’s Own, who has a nearby fan base in Texas, and a short drive to Wichita. Challenge ALS has an experienced coaching staff, and the expectation will be set early. Challenge ALS will be prepared for the games ahead.

If it takes down Austin’s Own, it would, in the worst-case scenario, face off against hometown favorite, 2-seed Aftershocks. Then, last year’s runner-up in Forever Coogs is waiting for them in the Wichita Regional championship game. The road is going to be rough, but it is manageable.

The big name on this team is DJ Burns. The former NC State big man captured the hearts of America, leading his team to a final-four appearance. Physically, it’ll be very hard for any team to match up with him, making him a huge threat for Challenge ALS. He is joined by his teammate DJ Horne, who is looking to recreate that magic. The Wichita region is very top heavy, but that shouldn’t stop Challenge ALS from having another successful tournament.